The Monarchs

The mariposa (butterly) is quite unique amongst insects. Her story of how she begins life and how she ends up is not only magnificent but it is a creative and complicated expression of the Creator.
I personally love butterflies. In my office (psychotherapy) one wall is half covered in a vibrant, silk batik of a butterfly. Because not only is the mariposa a physical wonder but she is a symbolic representation of evolution and transformation. Time and time again, clients remark on the butterfly and how she reflects their own individual journey. Who hasn't felt a time when they were a furry, not so pretty caterpillar only to go through some internal process resulting in feeling one's wings emerge and then they took off and soared?

Recently, a friend informed me that for the first time in a decade, monarchs were seen in the Berkeley Aquatic Park, My friend thought it a good Girl Scout outing. But I knew I had to get down there before I could even consider arranging a large group of girls.

Early on a cold (like at 8 a.m. and 46 degrees; which is like freezing to us Californians) we bundled up and headed out. We passed only a few dog walkers braving the elements as our family spread out in search of the monarchs; without much luck. Until we spotted a woman and her young daughter staring up at a tree. Unless they were contemplating the sky, we knew we hit the jackpot.

It was still quite early, cold and without sun, so the butterfly were all clustered together keeping still and warm. We all stood, staring and waiting for an hour and then as soon as the sun began to set on them, like magic, they began to flutter. They didn't fly at once. It took another long period of waiting to see a few take off which by them our toes were getting numb and it was time to go warm them. We were okay without seeing the flock take flight (if they even did that) but to bare witness on their beauty while slept and woke was pretty magical in and of itself.

I was disappointed not to have better camera equipment to capture the monarchs but with a little editing at home, I was able to zoom in for a few good shots. But the most important memories will remain in our hearts; our family had a special morning together that helped bring us closer. It's amazing how the natural world can do that.